Ferdy stays in Romania as young Irish grab semi-final place

26 July 2011 10:25

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Bulls of Hereford United. Southend United midifelder Kane Ferdinand Tuesday in Romania but a goalless against the hosts sees his Republic of ireland Under-19 side qualify for Friday's semi-finals, so he will not be returning to Roots Hall just yet! If they go all the way, it will be next Tuesday before Kane Ferdinand returns to the UK Great as it is to see a hard fought for goalless draw with hosts Romania in Berceni keep the Republic of Ireland in the under-19 European Championships, worried Shrimpers supporters will be concerned that the young midfielder may not be training with his team mates until just a few days before the opening game with hereford A stalemate was enough in the end with Greece beaten 1-0 by the Czech Republic in the group’s other game. After a 2-1 win over the Greeks in their first game and defeat to the Czechs by the same score, Ireland qualify in second place behind the latter on four points. They might have sat comfortably on six had Anthony O’Connor’s second half effort not been disallowed, but with goalkeeper off his line the assistant referee was right to rule the defender offside as he poked the loose ball home in front of a Romanian defender. Doolin's side will take on hot favourites Spain in Friday's semi-final. The Czech Republic will face Serbia after an eventful finish to Group B this evening. Spain scored two own goals as they were beaten 3-0 by Turkey, but the Serbs progressed after a 1-1 draw with Belgium. "I would like to congratulate Paul (Doolin) and the players who continue to do our country proud at the Uefa Championship finals," FAI president Paddy McCaul said this evening. "We will all be firmly behind them once again for the semi-final against Spain on Friday." Rep. of Ireland Under-19's: Aaron McCarey, Matt Doherty, John Egan, Anthony O'Connor, Jeff Hendrick, Samir Carruthers, John O'Sullivan, Conor Murphy, Anthony Forde, Sean Murray, Joe Shaughnessy Substitutes: Sean McDermott, Derrick Williams, Kevin Knight (on for Sean Murray, 56 mins), Kane Ferdinand, Eoin Wearen (on for Samir Carruthers, 74 mins), Declan Walker, Connor Smith (on for Conor Murphy, 64 mins). Remianing Schedule: Fri 29 July Semi-final tbc Mogosoaia 17.45 Fri 29 July Semi-final tbc Chiajna 19.45 Mon 1 Aug Final tbc Chiajna 19.00